North West Highlands Geopark (2016) North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
Additional notes: These web pages are sourced from the PDF North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
NWHG Ref. 004 — An t-Sron
Location, grid reference and photograph
The coastal headland of An t-Sron is located on the south-east side of Loch Eriboll, Grid Ref.
GCR site reference, block, volume and notified feature of SSSI?
GCR Ref. 1010, Cambrian Block, Vol. 18. Notified feature of Eriboll SSSI.
Description and geological significance
This is a key site in the understanding of the Cambrian rocks of northern Britain. The lower arenaceous units of the Cambrian sequence of the North West Highlands are well exposed, relatively undisturbed by folding and faulting. The stratigraphy and sedimentary features of the Basal (False-bedded) Quartzite, Pipe Rock, Fucoid Beds and Salterella Grit are well seen. The section extends up into the dolostones of the Eilean Dubh Formation of the Durness Group. Evidence at this site proved central to the resolution of the controversy over the stratigraphy and structure of the northern Highlands of Scotland.
Accessibility
The site is close to the A 838 but requires a short walk over rough ground to reach the coastal exposures. There is no all abilities access.
Conservation
Low conservation requirement due to the scale and location of the site.
Visibility and “clarity”
The coastal exposures cannot be seen from the roadside. Once accessed, however, the constituent strata are easily identifiable and inspiring to geological specialists.
Interpretation and interpretation potential
The site is commonly visited by geology students and researchers. Features are easily discerned and interpreted by specialists and may also be appreciated by some non- specialists (with assistance). There is currently no interpretation panel but the site could be included in guided walks and in a future Geopark guide. A very important educational resource for geology students and researchers.
Key references
PRIGMORE, J.K. & RUSHTON, A.W.A. 1999. Scotland: Cambrian and Ordovician of the Hebridean Terrane. In Rushton, A. W. A., Owen, A. W., Owens, R. M. & Prigmore, J. K. (eds) British Cambrian to Ordovician Stratigraphy. Geological Conservation Review Series, 18, Chapman & Hall, 295–315.